Curaçao Chronicle | IPDC Urges Immediate Use of Dutch Cultural Fund to Protect Caribbean Islands from Climate Change

curacaochronicle.com · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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WILLEMSTAD – The International Panel on Deltas and Coastal Areas (IPDC) has called for the immediate deployment of the Dutch Cultural Fund (Rijkcultuurfonds) to help better protect the Caribbean islands against the effects of climate change. The call was made during the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO). According to the IPDC, climate-related challenges such as drought, rising temperatures, and the degradation of coral reefs and mangroves are not only environmental issues but also pose a direct threat to cultural traditions and everyday life on the islands. The panel argues that opening the Cultural Fund to projects that combine cultural heritage with climate adaptation would create opportunities for young professionals to contribute to long-term, structural solutions. The IPDC stressed that culture can play a key role in strengthening community resilience to climate change. By linking cultural initiatives with environmental adaptation, local knowledge and creativity can be mobilized to address pressing challenges while preserving identity and heritage. In addition, the panel highlighted the need for affordable, nature-based solutions, such as oyster reefs, which can help protect coastlines while supporting marine ecosystems. Increased investment in sustainable energy was also identified as essential to reducing vulnerability and strengthening climate resilience across the islands. The IPDC further pointed to the recent climate lawsuit involving Bonaire as a clear signal that the Netherlands must act more decisively. According to the panel, the case underscores the urgency for the Dutch government to establish clear goals and concrete plans to better protect the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom from the growing impacts of climate change. The appeal adds to ongoing discussions within the Kingdom about responsibility, funding, and long-term strategies to safeguard both the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Caribbean islands.